Motomachi

Motomachi is a place name used for part of Higashi Ward, Sapporo. Although it is no longer used as an official town name, it remains commonly used when referring to stations, schools, and local areas. It is said to be the birthplace of Sapporo and one of the earliest areas of Hokkaido development. In 1866, Kame-taro Otomo relocated farmers and established Motomachi, forming the foundation of what later became Sapporo Village and eventually modern Sapporo City. Motomachi features slopes such as Hachimanzaka, with stone-paved sidewalks and churches that create an exotic atmosphere—almost like being abroad while still in Japan. Historical buildings such as the Hakodate Orthodox Church (Hakodate Haristos Orthodox Church) and the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall stand quietly in the area, and there are many sightseeing spots including Motomachi Park and the Former British Consulate. Because foreign settlement began relatively early here, Western culture took root and shaped a distinctive streetscape. Access is immediate from Motomachi Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Toho Line—get off and you are right there.